New Delhi, May 8 -- What started as a consumer-choice issue is turning into a larger debate over telecom tariffs, digital adoption and even future network investments. Telecom operators are pushing back against the regulator's draft regulations that require them to offer more voice-and-SMS-only recharge plans with prices reduced in line with the exclusion of data benefits.

India's top telcos Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are arguing that there is no evidence of strong consumer demand for such plans, and that the move could push users away from digital services in the absence of data in plans. They also said the norms go against the tariff forbearance-based regime, could increase spam by unregistered telemarketers, and may...